Mongoose Rockadile BB Confusion

Hi,

I have been having some trouble figuring out the different types of bottom brackets, how they fit into the frame and so on. I understand there are cup and cone ones, sealed cartridge, external and so on.

How do you recognize each type of BB and what tools are needed to remove/install them and what are the steps to do that?

I know from the specs that my Mongoose Rockadile has a VP semi cartridge, but what exactly does this mean?

How the BB and crank connects is the first place to look. Most likely it will be square taper, (which is a square bar with a taper to it). If its not, then it could be one of a few other things like ISIS, cottered, or some other new stuff I'm not familiar with. If the bike is very old, it may have a single crank bottom bracket, where one piece of metal goes from one pedal, through the bb, chainrings, and finally to the other pedal.

If it is a square taper, then look at how it connects to the frame. If it has a series of recessed notches in a ring then it is probably a sealed bb. If there is a lock ring, with notches on the outside of it then its bearings are probably accessible with the proper tools.